Introduction
Imagine a cookie so soft it melts away in your mouth, bursting with the fresh, zesty flavor of lemon. Our Soft Lemon Cookies recipe promises to bring just that: a little ray of sunshine in each bite. These cookies, with their perfect balance of sweetness and tang, are not just a treat for the taste buds but a delight for the senses. Whether you’re looking to brighten a dreary afternoon or add a zesty touch to your dessert table, these cookies are your go-to. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, baking these cookies is as enjoyable as savoring them. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together, creating memories and mouth-watering treats along the way.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and 1 1/4 cups sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, followed by the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, ensuring each ingredient is well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well to combine into a smooth dough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then gently roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar to coat.
- Place the sugared dough balls on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them adequately apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned at the edges.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Prepare
The key to these heavenly soft lemon cookies lies in the preparation. Start by ensuring all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter, to guarantee a smooth, well-incorporated dough. When zesting the lemon, use only the yellow part to avoid the bitter white pith. Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking not only adds a delightful crunch but also a beautiful sparkle to the cookies. Remember to watch the cookies closely as they bake since their soft texture means they can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
This recipe yields 24 delicious cookies, each one packed with 150 kcal of pure joy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? A: While fresh lemon juice is preferred for its flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Q: How do I store these cookies? A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
Q: Can I add icing to these cookies? A: Absolutely! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice makes a great addition.
Q: Are these cookies gluten-free? A: No, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
In the world of cookies, our Soft Lemon Cookies stand out with their irresistible combination of soft texture and vibrant lemon flavor. They are not just cookies; they are a celebration of the simple joys in life. This recipe, with its straightforward instructions and common ingredients, invites bakers of all levels to create something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at baking for the first time, these cookies are sure to succeed. So, why wait? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of baking lemon cookies. Every bite is a promise of a brighter, zestier day ahead.
Print
Zesty Bliss: Heavenly Soft Lemon Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Indulge in the ultimate treat with our Soft Lemon Cookies recipe. Experience the perfect blend of zest and sweetness, ideal for brightening any day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and 1 1/4 cups sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, followed by the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, ensuring each ingredient is well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing well to combine into a smooth dough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then gently roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar to coat.
- Place the sugared dough balls on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them adequately apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned at the edges.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
The key to these heavenly soft lemon cookies lies in the preparation. Start by ensuring all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter, to guarantee a smooth, well-incorporated dough. When zesting the lemon, use only the yellow part to avoid the bitter white pith. Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar before baking not only adds a delightful crunch but also a beautiful sparkle to the cookies. Remember to watch the cookies closely as they bake since their soft texture means they can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
Equipment Needed: Mixing bowls, hand mixer or stand mixer, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: lemon cookies, soft cookies, dessert, baking, lemon dessert